Itele recounts battle with ‘bad luck’ prior fame

• Itele has recalled some of the toughest times in his life and career.
• The actor revealed struggling with his mum as they hawked to earn a daily living.
• Itele who said he always believed he was unlucky because he had to labour with little to show for it shared his journey in Nollywood since 1997.

Nigerian actor cum filmmaker Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele, has finally opened up on his pre-fame struggles.

In an interview with his colleague, Biola Bayo on her podcast, Talk to B, he revealed that he has faced challenges that almost took his life. He said the challenges were so severe that he imagined going back to his mother’s womb, and even once begged a one year old to talk to God on his behalf.

The talented actor revealed he was close to his mother as they struggled and suffered together. His mum sold readymade while he hawked jewelry at Bauchi village.

Itele who said he has been in Nollywood since 1997 credited Papa T for helping him out a lot and listed Richard Mofe Damijo, Yomi Fash Lanso, and Adebayo Salami as his role models. He also expressed gratitude to Femi Adebayo, who he stated made great impact in his life. In Itele’s words:

“I have faced challenges that almost took my life. You know, that kind of challenges that make you wish you could run back to your mother’s womb. I suffered when suffering was still original.

Papa T was the one who God used to help me when he returned from London.

I have produced so many films that I don’t like to mention it.

There was a time when I felt I was an unlucky guy. I know it’s the grace of God but I always labored so hard. My mum was selling ready-made; I was selling jewelry. We would hawk around goods around Bauchi village.

I have been in the industry since 1997.

Richard Mofe Damijo, Yomi Fash, and Adebayo Salami are my role models. Adebayo Salami is a fortunate man and so are his children. Femi Adebayo has made a great impact on my life. I would love to say a big thank you to Uncle Femi thank you for all you do”.

Watch clip from interview below: